JP2022174301A - LED lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a long LED module and an LED lighting device which have better appearance.

SOLUTION: An LED lighting device 601 includes a plurality of LED lamps 501 including: a plurality of LED modules 2 arrayed along a first direction; a cylindrical body which stores the plurality of LED modules 2, and in which end parts in the first direction are open; and a plurality of end caps 3 for closing both end parts in the first direction of the cylindrical body. In the LED lighting device 601, the plurality of LED lamps 501 is arrayed along the first direction. Out of the plurality of LED lamps 501, end parts in the first direction of the end caps 3 of adjacent two LED lamps 501 are opposing to each other. The interval between the LED modules 2 installed sandwiching the two end caps 3 opposing to each other is equal to the interval between the adjacent LED modules 2 in the same LED lamp 501.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an LED lighting device containing a plurality of LED chips and used for indoor floor lighting and wall lighting, for example.

FIG. 39 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a conventional LED lamp. The LED lamp 900 shown in FIG. and a circuit 95 for lighting 92 . Wiring (not shown) connected to a plurality of LED chips 92 and terminals 94 is formed on the substrate 91 .

The LED lamp 900 is configured such that a plurality of LED chips 92 can emit light by fitting the terminals 94 into sockets of, for example, fluorescent lamp sockets installed on the ceiling. Since the LED chip 92 consumes low power and has a long life, if the LED lamp 900 is used as a substitute for the existing fluorescent lamp, improvement in terms of cost and environment can be expected.

However, since the terminals 94 are arranged at both ends of the LED lamp 900 in the longitudinal direction, when a plurality of the LED lamps 900 are connected so as to line up along the longitudinal direction, the joint portions of the LED lamps 900 emit light. it was impossible to let Therefore, when the LED lamps 900 are connected to form a long illumination device, the dark portions that do not emit light are intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction, which may give a complicated impression to the viewer.

In addition, a plurality of LED chips 92 arranged in a line produces a steep luminance distribution around the line, which tends to make the user feel dazzled. This becomes more conspicuous as the number of LED chips 92 increases. As a result, it has been difficult to achieve both an increase in the overall amount of light and a uniform luminance.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 6-54103

The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and includes a long LED lighting device with a better appearance, an LED lamp capable of realizing such an LED lighting device, and an LED lamp. The problem is to provide a lamp case suitable for Another object of the present invention is to provide an LED module and an LED lighting device capable of increasing the overall amount of light and achieving uniform luminance.

The LED lamp provided by the first aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction; and a plurality of end caps closing both ends of the cylindrical body in the first direction, wherein the end caps transmit and diffuse the light from the plurality of LED modules. and has an emission surface for emitting light in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In the LED lamp provided by the second aspect of the present invention, in the LED lamp provided by the first aspect of the present invention, the cylindrical body is arranged on one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. and a diffusion cover that covers one side of the support member in the second direction and transmits and diffuses the light from the plurality of LED modules. and the exit surface is formed on one side in the second direction.

The LED lamp provided by the third aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps includes a diffusion material that diffuses light from the LED module. is formed of a transparent resin to which is added.

The LED lamp provided by the fourth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the second or third aspect of the present invention, wherein the emission surface is a surface continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover. is formed as

The LED lamp provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED modules are arranged at regular intervals. The distance between the end cap and the one of the plurality of LED modules that is closest to the end cap in the first direction is shorter than the predetermined interval.

The LED lamp provided by the sixth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by the fifth aspect of the present invention, wherein the outer end face of the end cap in the first direction and the outer end face in the first direction , the distance between the end cap and the nearest LED module is half of the constant spacing.

The LED lamp provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps extends along the first direction. A connection plate protruding inward of the cylindrical body is provided, the connection plate is formed with a screw through hole extending long in the first direction, and the end cap is inserted into the screw through hole. It is attached to the cylinder via a threaded screw, and the exit surface can be accommodated in the cylinder.

The LED lamp provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of end caps are arranged outwardly in the first direction. a first end cap having an inclined surface inclined so as to move away from the emission surface toward the outer side; and a second end cap having an inclined surface inclined to approach the emission surface toward the outside in the first direction. contains.

The LED lamp provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention is the LED lamp provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein each of the end caps extends outward in the first direction. and a female portion having an inclined surface inclined so as to move away from the outgoing surface toward the outside in the first direction.

The LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention comprises at least two LED lamps provided by the first to sixth aspects of the present invention arranged along the first direction. , wherein the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps of the plurality of LED lamps face each other in the first direction.

The LED lighting device provided by the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction The ends are in contact with each other.

The LED lighting device provided by the twelfth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the emission surfaces of the two adjacent LED lamps are continuous surfaces. ing.

The LED lighting device provided by the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps, each of the A plate member is provided in contact with the end cap, and the plate member is formed so as to transmit and diffuse the light from the plurality of LED modules.

The LED lighting device provided by the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate member has a surface continuous with the output surface of each of the end caps. ing.

The LED lighting device provided by the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the seventh aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and of the LED lamps, the end portions of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps are in contact with each other in the first direction.

The LED lighting device provided by the sixteenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and of the LED lamps, two adjacent LED lamps each include the first end cap on one side in the first direction and the second end cap on the other side, and the adjacent LED lamps The inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two LED lamps faces the inclined surface of the second end cap of the other LED lamp.

The LED lighting device provided by the seventeenth aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging at least two or more LED lamps provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention along the first direction, and The female part of the end cap of one of the two LED lamps is engaged with the male part of the end cap of the other LED lamp.

A lamp case provided by an eighteenth aspect of the present invention accommodates an LED lamp comprising a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction, and a cylindrical body accommodating the plurality of LED modules. and a main body member having a pair of connecting portions at both ends in the first direction; and a terminal member connected to one of the pair of connecting portions, wherein the terminal member It is characterized by being detachable from the pair of connecting parts and having a wall surface perpendicular to the first direction.

The lamp case provided by the nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the lamp case provided by the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the connecting portion is formed with an elongated hole extending in the first direction. The end member is connected to the connecting portion via a bolt member inserted through the long hole.

The LED lighting device provided by the twentieth aspect of the present invention includes two or more lamp cases provided by the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, and is housed in the lamp case, two or more LED lamps arranged along a direction; and an intermediate member connected to both of two lamp cases adjacent in the first direction among the two or more lamp cases. is characterized by

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-first aspect of the present invention includes two or more LED lamps provided by any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention arranged along the first direction. , two or more lamp cases provided by the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention for accommodating the plurality of LED lamps, and two or more of the two or more lamp cases adjacent in the first direction and an intermediate member connected to both of the lamp cases, wherein the ends of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps of the two or more LED lamps face each other in the first direction. It is characterized by having

In the LED lighting device provided by the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the LED lighting device provided by the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps in the first direction The ends are in contact with each other.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the twenty-second aspect of the present invention, wherein the emission surfaces of the two adjacent LED lamps are continuous surfaces. ing.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, wherein between the end caps of the two adjacent LED lamps, each of the A plate member is provided in contact with the end cap, and the plate member is formed so as to transmit and diffuse the light from the plurality of LED modules.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plate member has a surface continuous with the output surface of each of the end caps. ing.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps according to claim 7 arranged along the first direction, and two LED lamps containing the two or more LED lamps. a lamp case provided by the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, and an intermediate member connected to both of the two or more lamp cases that are adjacent in the first direction. , wherein end portions of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps of the plurality of LED lamps are in contact with each other in the first direction.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention comprises: two or more LED lamps provided by the eighth aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction; Connected to two or more lamp cases provided by the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention for accommodating lamps, and two lamp cases adjacent in the first direction among the two or more lamp cases. and an intermediate member, wherein two adjacent LED lamps among the two or more LED lamps are provided with the first end cap on one side in the first direction and on the other side The second end cap is provided, and the inclined surface of the first end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps and the inclined surface of the second end cap of the other LED lamp are facing each other.

The LED lighting device provided by the twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention comprises two or more LED lamps provided by the ninth aspect of the present invention arranged along the first direction, and the two or more LEDs two or more lamp cases for housing lamps according to claim 18 or 19; an intermediate member connected to both of the two or more lamp cases adjacent to each other in the first direction; wherein the female portion of the end cap of one of the two adjacent LED lamps is engaged with the male portion of the end cap of the other LED lamp.

According to such a configuration, since the joints between the LED lamps allow the light from the LED modules to pass through, the LED lighting device is less likely to have a dark portion along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, by connecting the LED lamps provided by the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a long LED lighting device with a better appearance.

The LED module provided by the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention comprises a strip-shaped substrate and a plurality of LED chips arranged on the substrate, and the plurality of LED chips are arranged on the substrate. forming a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart in the transverse direction of the substrate, wherein adjacent rows among the plurality of rows are included in these rows; It is characterized in that the plurality of LED chips mounted on the substrate are arranged in a zigzag arrangement shifted in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

The LED module provided by the thirtieth aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips has an oblong light emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate. , and the plurality of light emitting portions are arranged such that the long sides of the light exit surface extend along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

The LED module provided by the thirty-first aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the thirtieth aspect of the present invention, wherein in each of the rows, the plurality of light-emitting portions are arranged from the long side of the light exit surface. They are evenly spaced with short intervals.

The LED module provided by the thirty-second aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the plurality of LED chips has an oblong light emitting surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate. and the plurality of light emitting portions are arranged such that the short sides of the light exit surface are along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

The LED module provided by the 33rd aspect of the present invention is the LED module provided by any one of the 29th to 31st aspects of the present invention, wherein the plurality of rows is two rows.

The LED lighting device provided by the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention comprises the LED module provided by any one of the twenty-ninth to thirty-third aspects of the present invention, and the substrate supported in the longitudinal direction of the substrate. and a diffusion cover connected to the support member, covering the plurality of LED chips, and diffusing the light from the plurality of LED chips to be emitted to the outside, The diffusion cover includes a portion having the shortest distance from the LED chip when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and the degree of diffusion of the light from the plurality of LED chips is greater than the average of the entire diffusion cover. It is characterized by having a strong strong diffusion part.

The LED lighting device provided by the thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the diffusion cover has a The portion closer to the distance is formed thicker.

The LED lighting device provided by the thirty-sixth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion portion is a portion of the diffusion cover other than the strong diffusion portion. is made of a material that more strongly diffuses the light from the LED chip than the material of

The LED lighting device provided by the thirty-seventh aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by the thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the strong diffusion part comprises a main body of the diffusion cover and a main body laminated on the main body. Further, it is composed of a diffusion member for diffusing the light from the plurality of LED chips.

The LED lighting device provided by the thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention is the LED lighting device provided by any one of the thirty-fourth to thirty-seventh aspects of the present invention, wherein the LED chip is mainly arranged in the thickness direction of the substrate. When viewed in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, the diffusion cover has an elliptical outer peripheral shape with the LED chip at the center and the thickness direction of the substrate as the minor axis direction. be.

With such a configuration, the portion of the diffusion cover closer to the LED chip diffuses the light from the LED chip more strongly than the portion farther from the LED chip, and transmits less light. Therefore, the difference in the intensity of the light after passing through the diffusion cover is less likely to occur between the portion far from the LED chip and the portion close to the LED chip. Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the diffusing cover makes the luminance even more uniform, and the appearance at the time of light emission can be improved.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view of essential parts showing an LED lamp according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1; 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an LED lighting device in which the LED lamps shown in FIG. 1 are combined; FIG. 6 is a view showing a connecting portion of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 6 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of the invention; 9 is a plan view of the end cap shown in FIG. 8; FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an LED lighting device in which the LED lamps shown in FIG. 8 are combined; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a connecting portion of an LED lighting device combining LED lamps according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 12 is a cross-sectional view along line XII-XII of FIG. 11; FIG. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a connecting portion of an LED lighting device combining LED lamps according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13; 1 is a side view showing an example of a lamp case according to the present invention; FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which an LED lamp is incorporated in the lamp case shown in FIG. 15 and attached to the ceiling; FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of LED lamps are assembled in the lamp case shown in FIG. 15 and attached to the ceiling; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 15; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18; 20 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 19; FIG. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged plan view of the lamp case shown in FIG. 15; 16 is an enlarged bottom view of a part of the lamp case shown in FIG. 15; FIG. Figure 16 is an enlarged view of one end of the body member shown in Figure 15; 16 is an enlarged view of the other end of the body member shown in FIG. 15; FIG. FIG. 18 is a view showing connecting portions of a plurality of lamp cases in FIG. 17; It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the lamp case of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st modification of a lamp case. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd modification of a lamp case. 1 is a plan view of an LED module according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a light emitting portion of the LED module shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an LED lighting device including the LED module of FIG. 29; FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the LED lighting device shown in FIG. 31; FIG. 4 is a plan view of an LED module according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a plan view of an LED module according to a third embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an LED lighting device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a conventional LED lamp; FIG.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 4 show an LED lamp according to a first embodiment of the invention. The LED lamp 501 of this embodiment includes a cylinder 1 extending in the x direction, a plurality of LED modules 2 housed in the cylinder 1, and an end cap attached to the end of the cylinder 1. 3 , two mounts 4 , and a power converter 5 . The LED lamp 501 is configured to mainly illuminate one side in the z-direction with light from a plurality of LED modules 2 housed inside, and is used, for example, to illuminate the floor surface when attached to the ceiling. be done.

The cylindrical body 1 has a support member 11 and a diffusion cover 12 . As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 11 supports the plurality of LED modules 2 and supplies power to them, and is composed of a substrate 111 and a bracket 112 .

The substrate 111 is strip-shaped with its longitudinal direction in the x direction and its width direction in the y direction, and is made of glass epoxy resin, for example. The substrate 111 has a constant thickness in the z direction and has a mounting surface 111a on one side in the z direction. For example, 288 LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a, and wiring patterns (not shown) for lighting these LED modules 2 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the bracket 112 consists of a base portion 113 and a pair of outer portions 114. As shown in FIG. Base portion 113 and outer portion 114 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 113 has a U-shaped cross section, and the substrate 111 is attached to the outside of the bottom surface of the base portion 113 . The outer portion 114 has a shape that covers substantially one side portion of the base portion 113 and the edge of the substrate 111 in the y direction. The base portion 113 and the outer portion 114 are fastened with a plurality of screws 13 .

Each outer portion 114 is formed with a locking groove 114a recessed toward the other side in the z direction. The locking groove 114a is formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction. Furthermore, each outer portion 114 has a bulging portion 114b that protrudes in the y direction from near one end in the y direction, and a locking groove 114c that is recessed toward the other side in the z direction formed in each bulging portion 114b. and a locking surface 114d facing the bottom surface of the locking groove 114c. The bulging portion 114b, the engaging groove 114c, and the engaging surface 114d are each formed over substantially the entire length of each outer portion 114 in the x direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diffusion cover 12 has a strip shape with an arc-shaped cross section extending in the x direction, and is made of transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusion material such as mercury chloride is added. Such a diffusion cover 12 diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2 . As shown in FIG. 3, the diffusion cover 12 has a locking piece 12a on one edge in the y direction and a locking piece 12b on the other edge. The locking piece 12a and the locking piece 12b are formed to protrude inward in the y direction, and each have a surface that abuts on the locking surface 114d. The locking piece 12b further has a portion that protrudes toward the other side in the z direction, and has a shape that fits into the locking groove 114c. In the diffusion cover 12, the locking piece 12b is fitted into the locking groove 114c on one side in the y direction, and the locking piece 12a is pushed into the locking groove 114c on the other side in the y direction. fixed to

Each LED module 2 incorporates an LED chip, is electrically connected to a wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the mounting surface 111a, and is configured to emit light mainly toward one side in the z direction.

A plurality of LED modules 2 are mounted on the mounting surface 111a so as to be arranged at regular intervals along the x direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the ends of two adjacent LED modules 2 that are closer in the x direction is defined as the interval 81 between the LED modules 2 . Of the plurality of LED modules 2 , the LED module 2 positioned at one end in the x direction is separated from one end of the support member 11 in the x direction by a distance 82 shorter than the interval 81 . They are arranged so that they are separated from each other. Of the plurality of LED modules 2, the LED module 2 located at the other end in the x direction is located at a distance 82 from the other end of the support member 11 in the x direction. are arranged as

The end cap 3 is a component for preventing dust and the like from entering the interior of the cylinder 1, and as shown in FIG. One side of the end cap 3 in the z-direction has an arc-shaped outer circumference along the shape of the diffusion cover 12 . In FIG. 2, a perspective view of the end cap 3 is shown, and the outer circumference of the diffusion cover 12 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line. The end cap 3 is installed so as not to create a gap between the end cap 3 and the diffusion cover 12. As shown in FIG. and a pair of connecting plates 32 protruding. The pair of connecting plates 32 are formed parallel to each other while being spaced apart in the y direction, and are in contact with the inner surface of the base portion 113 of the bracket 112 as shown in FIG. Further, the pair of connecting plates 32 are formed with screw holes 32a penetrating in the y direction. Fixed. As shown in FIG. 4, the end cap 3 has a constant thickness 83 in the x-direction. This thickness 83 is, for example, about 1.5 mm.

The end cap 3, like the diffusion cover 12, is made of transparent polycarbonate resin added with a diffusion material such as mercury chloride. Such an end cap 3 diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2 . The proportion of diffusing material in the end cap 3 is similar to the proportion of diffusing material in the diffusion cover 12 .

In this embodiment, the end on the other side in the x direction of the end cap 3 attached to one side in the x direction of the cylindrical body 1 is in close contact with the end of the support member 11 on the one side in the x direction. The end on one side in the x direction of the end cap 3 attached to the other side in the x direction of the cylindrical body 1 is in close contact with the end on the other side in the x direction of the supporting member 11 . Furthermore, the distance 82 is set so that the length 84 obtained by adding the distance 82 and the thickness 83 shown in FIG. 4 is half the distance 81 between the LED modules 2 .

Each mount 4 is a component used when fixing the LED lamp 501 to a ceiling, a wall, or the like, and consists of a base metal fitting 41 and a holder 42 . The base metal fitting 41 is formed, for example, by punching and bending a metal plate, and has a hole portion 41a for passing a screw. As shown in FIG. 1, the hole portion 41a is formed in a T shape by combining an elongated hole extending in the y direction and an elongated hole extending in the x direction. Therefore, the position of the base metal fitting 41 can be adjusted by the size of the hole portion 41a even after it is attached to the ceiling or wall using screws.

The holder 42 is formed, for example, by bending a metal plate, and as shown in FIG. It has a connecting portion 42c that connects the flexible portions 42b. The flexible portion 42b is configured to support the locking piece 42a. When an external force is applied to the pair of flexible portions 42b, the pair of locking pieces 42a can be elastically deformed in a direction to move the pair of locking pieces 42a toward and away from each other. The pair of locking pieces 42a are portions that engage with the locking grooves 114a of the support member 11, and are inclined so that the distance between them decreases upward in FIG.

Power converter 5 functions to convert commercial AC 100V power to DC 36V, for example, and is housed in support member 11 . The power converter 5 includes a case 51 , a power supply board 52 and a plurality of electronic components 53 . The case 51 has a U-shaped cross section and is made of metal, for example. The power board 52 is fixed to the case 51 and has a plurality of electronic components 53 mounted thereon. The plurality of electronic components 53 are, for example, transformers, rectifiers, and transistors for constant current control. A connector 54 extends from the power converter 5 . This connector 54 is connected, for example, to a connector provided on the ceiling or wall on which the LED lamp 501 is installed.

In this embodiment, two power converters 5 are provided, and power is supplied to 144 LED modules 2 from one power converter 5 . These 144 LED modules 2 are divided into 12 groups of 12 connected in series. These groups are connected in parallel. As a result, each LED chip in each LED module 2 is supplied with DC power having a voltage of about 3 V and a current of about 20 mA.

Next, the action of the LED lamp 501 will be described.

In such an LED lamp 501, as shown in FIG. 4, the end cap 3 receives light mainly from the LED module 2 installed at the end in the x direction. Since the end cap 3 is made of the resin to which the diffusion material is added as described above, the light incident on the end cap 3 is diffused and part of the light is emitted from the emission surface 31 in the z direction. Therefore, when the LED lamp 501 is installed, for example, on the ceiling and turned on, the end portion of the LED lamp 501 in the x-direction looks like the other portions to be illuminated by a person looking up from below.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of part of an LED lighting device 601 configured by combining a plurality of LED lamps 501 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, in an LED lighting device 601, a plurality of LED lamps 501 are attached to the ceiling or wall so as to line up in a line along the x direction. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a joint portion between adjacent LED lamps 501, omitting the diffusion cover 12 to show the inside of the LED lamps 501. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the LED lighting device 601, the end caps 3 of the adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, and the interval between the LED modules 2 installed with the two end caps 3 interposed therebetween is exactly the interval 81. It is designed to be Since the end caps 3 of the adjacent LED lamps 501 are in contact with each other, light passing through one end cap 3 is diffused by the other end cap 3 . Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 501 in the x direction is emitted from the emission surface 31 of the end cap 3 of the adjacent LED lamp 501 in the z direction. Therefore, the LED lighting device 601 can effectively utilize the light from the LED module 2 .

As described above, the end cap 3 transmits and scatters the light from the LED module 2, so that the emission surface 31 looks like it is shining. Therefore, in the LED lighting device 601, the joints of the adjacent LED lamps 501 do not become dark. Therefore, by combining the LED lamps 501, it is possible to realize an elongated LED lighting device 601 extending in the x direction and having a more attractive appearance.

In the present embodiment, even at the joints between the adjacent LED lamps 501, the interval between the LED modules 2 is the same interval 81 as the other portions, so the joints do not become darker than the other portions. , can make it look better.

7-26 show another embodiment of the invention. In these figures, the same or similar elements as in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of part of an LED lighting device 602 configured by combining a plurality of the LED lamps 501 described above. The LED lighting device 602 shown in FIG. 7 has a plate member 6 provided between the end caps 3 of the adjacent LED lamps 501, and other configurations are the same as those of the LED lighting device 601 shown in FIGS. .

As shown in FIG. 7, the plate member 6 is sandwiched between the right end face of the end cap 3 on the left side in the x direction and the left end face of the end cap 3 on the right side in the drawing. The plate member 6 is formed so that its shape when viewed in the x direction matches the shape of the end cap 3 when viewed in the x direction, and has an output surface 61 which is continuous with the output surfaces 31 of the left and right end caps 3 in FIG. there is The plate member 6 is made of, for example, a transparent polycarbonate resin to which a diffusing agent such as mercury chloride is added. The proportion of the diffusion material in the plate material 6 is approximately the same as the proportion of the diffusion material in the diffusion cover 12 . Such a plate member 6 diffuses and transmits the light that has passed through the end cap 3 among the light from the LED module 2 . Part of the light diffused inside the plate member 6 is emitted from the emission surface 61 in the z direction.

In such an LED lighting device 602 as well, the plate member 6 appears to emit light as in the case of the end cap 3, so that the joint portion of the adjacent LED lamps 501 does not become dark. Therefore, the LED lighting device 602 becomes more attractive.

In order to preferably implement the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of types of plate members 6 having different thicknesses in the x direction are prepared in advance, and when a gap occurs between the left and right end caps 3 in FIG. It is preferable to select a plate material 6 having a thickness corresponding to the gap and fit it into the gap.

In the LED lighting device 601 as well, when a large number of LED lamps 501 are arranged in a line, gaps may occur between the ends of adjacent LED lamps 501 . In such a case, by using the plate material 6 in the LED lighting device 602 together, it is possible to prevent the joint portion of the LED lamp 501 from becoming dark.

In the above-described embodiment, the end cap 3 is installed outside the diffusion cover 12 so that the emission surface 31 is continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12 . The end cap 3 may be installed inside the diffusion cover 12 so as to be in contact with the peripheral surface. In this case, the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction is longer than the length of the support member 11 in the x direction by twice the thickness of the end cap 3 in the x direction.

FIG. 8 shows a state near the edge of the LED lamp according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 502 shown in FIG. 8 differs from the LED lamp 501 in the shape of the end cap 3 and the length of the diffusion cover 12 in the x direction, and the other configurations are the same. FIG. 9 shows a view of the end cap 3 of the LED lamp 502 viewed from inside the LED lamp 502 . FIG. 10 shows a connecting portion of an LED lighting device 603 configured by combining a plurality of LED lamps 502 . In the LED lighting device 603, a plurality of LED lamps 502 are attached to the ceiling or wall so as to line up in a row along the x direction. In addition, in FIG. 10, the distance between the LED lamps 502 is intentionally enlarged for the sake of explanation.

The diffusion cover 12 in this embodiment is formed to be longer than the support member 11 in the x direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end cap 3 is arranged inside the diffusion cover 12 . The end cap 3 of this embodiment has a head portion 33 near the lower end in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the head portion 33 is formed so as to extend inwardly of the tubular body 1 from the outer peripheral edge of the end cap 3 along the x direction. The outer peripheral surface of the umbrella portion 33 is integrated with the exit surface 31 . In this embodiment, the exit surface 31 of the end cap 3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the diffusion cover 12 .

Furthermore, the screw through hole 32a formed in the connecting plate 32 of this embodiment is an elongated hole extending in the x direction. Therefore, the end cap 3 can move in the x direction by the length of the screw hole 32a. When the end cap 3 is pulled out of the cylindrical body 1 along the x direction, the outer peripheral surface of the head portion 33 is exposed to the outside of the diffusion cover 12 .

In the LED lighting device 603 in which such LED lamps 502 are joined together, when a gap occurs between the LED lamps 502 as shown in FIG. The gap can be closed with the umbrella part 33. - 特許庁Since the umbrella portion 33 is a part of the end cap 3 , it diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 2 . Therefore, when the LED lighting device 603 is viewed from below in the z-direction, the umbrella portion 33 appears to emit light. Therefore, the LED lighting device 603 has a configuration in which a dark place is less likely to occur along the x direction.

11 and 12 show the state of joints of an LED lighting device using an LED lamp according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 503 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has an end cap 3A at one end in the x direction and an end cap 3B at the other end, and has the same configuration as the LED lamp 501 in other respects.

The end cap 3A is formed so as to become thicker in the x direction downward in the z direction in FIG. 12, and has an inclined surface 31a. The inclined surface 31a is inclined so as to move away from the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it extends outward in the x direction. The end cap 3B is formed so as to become thinner in the x direction downward in the z direction in FIG. 12, and has an inclined surface 31b. The inclined surface 31b is inclined so as to approach the output surface 31 in the z direction as it extends outward in the x direction.

In the LED lighting device 604 in which such LED lamps 503 are joined together, the end caps 3A and 3B face each other at the joint as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 . It is desirable to arrange a plurality of LED lamps 503 so that the inclined surfaces 31a and 31b are in contact with each other, but when many LED lamps 503 are arranged, it is difficult to arrange them completely without gaps. In this embodiment, even when a gap is generated between the end caps 3A and 3B, the inclined surface 31b appears to shine when the LED lighting device 604 is viewed from below in the z direction in FIG. Therefore, the LED illumination device 604 has a configuration in which a dark place is less likely to occur along the x direction.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show the state of the joint portion of the LED lighting device using the LED lamp based on the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The LED lamp 504 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 has an end cap 3C instead of the end cap 3, and other configurations are the same as those of the LED lamp 501. FIG.

The end cap 3C has a male portion 34 formed on one side in the y direction and a female portion 35 formed on the other side in the y direction. The male part 34 has an inclined surface 34a inclined so as to approach the exit surface 31 in the z direction as it extends outward in the x direction. It is formed to bulge outward in the x direction as it approaches the exit surface 31 in the z direction, and bulge outward in the x direction toward the center in the y direction. The female portion 35 has an inclined surface 35a that is inclined so as to move away from the emission surface 31 in the z direction as it extends outward in the x direction. The female portion 35 is formed so as to be recessed inward in the x-direction as it approaches the exit surface 31 in the z-direction so as to fit with the male portion 34, and is recessed inward in the x-direction toward the center in the y-direction. recessed in

In the LED lighting device 605 formed by arranging the LED lamps 504 in the x direction, as shown in FIGS. 35 are meshed with each other. It is desirable to install a plurality of LED lamps 504 so that the end caps 3C are in contact with each other, but when a large number of LED lamps 504 are arranged, gaps may occur between the end caps 3C. Even in such a case, it is the inclined surface 35 a that can be seen through the gap between the end caps 3</b>C of the present embodiment, and appears to shine like the exit surface 31 . Also, the end caps 3C of this embodiment can be attached to both ends of the cylindrical body 1, which is economical.

15 to 26 show an example of a lamp case according to the invention. A lamp case 650 shown in FIG. 15 is a member used to fix the LED lamps 501 to 504 to the ceiling instead of the mount 4 in the above-described embodiment. Note that FIG. 15 shows the LED lamp 501 for reference. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the LED lamp 501 is housed in a lamp case 650 and attached to the ceiling 750 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, an LED lighting device 606 is shown in which a plurality of lamp cases 650 each housing an LED lamp 501 are arranged in the x direction. The LED lighting device 606 corresponds to the LED lighting device 601 in which the mount 4 is replaced with a lamp case 650 .

The lamp case 650 includes a main body member 71, a connector accommodating portion 72, an end member 73, and an intermediate member 74, as shown in FIG. The terminating member 73 and intermediate member 74 are attached to the body member 71 via bolt members 75 as shown in FIG. Bolt member 75 is, for example, a male screw. The terminal member 73 and the intermediate member 74 are assumed to be painted in the same color as the body member 71 .

The main body member 71 has a U-shaped cross section that is open on one side in the z direction and is formed to extend long in the x direction. A connecting portion 712 is provided. As shown in FIG. 23, the connecting portion 711 is formed with a pair of elongated holes 711a extending in the x direction. As shown in FIG. 24, the connecting portion 712 is formed with a pair of elongated holes 712a extending in the x direction. The elongated holes 711a and 712a have the same shape, and both allow the bolt member 75 to pass through. The main body member 71 also has projecting portions 713 projecting in the y direction from both side edges in the y direction. The projecting portion 713 has a shape having a groove extending long in the x direction. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, when the lamp case 650 is attached to the ceiling 750, the projection 713 does not enter the ceiling 750 and is exposed to the outside. The main body member 71 is fixed along the ceiling 750 by bringing the projecting portion 713 into contact with the ceiling 750 . Therefore, the lamp case 650 can be attached to the ceiling 750 without being inclined with respect to the ceiling 750, and the LED lamp 501 can be preferably accommodated.

As shown in FIG. 19, a through hole 71a is provided between the main body member 71 and the connector accommodating portion 72. As shown in FIG. This through hole 71a is used to pass a cable that connects the connector 54 and the power converter 5 . The connector 54 is accommodated in the connector accommodating portion 72 . Connector 54 is connected to a power supply provided in ceiling 750 .

The terminating member 73 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the connecting portion 711 and the connecting portion 712 . As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the terminal member 73 includes plate portions 731 and 732 orthogonal to each other, a pair of inner wall portions 733, an outer plate portion 734, and standing walls 735 and 736. As shown in FIGS.

The plate portion 731 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the z direction, and is a portion fixed to the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the main body member 71 via the bolt member 75 . The plate portion 731 is formed with a pair of bulging portions 731a that are thicker in the z-direction than the surroundings. A pair of screw receiving holes that engage with the bolt member 75 are provided in the pair of bulging portions 731a. A female screw corresponding to the male screw formed on the bolt member 75 is formed in the pair of screw receiving holes.

The plate portion 732 extends from the end portion of the plate portion 731 in the x direction and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the x direction. As shown in FIG. 20, the plate portion 732 is a portion that closes the end portion of the main body member 71 in the x direction, and has a wall surface 732a perpendicular to the x direction. The pair of inner wall portions 733 are formed to protrude in the x direction from both side edges of the plate portion 732 in the y direction. The length in the x direction of the pair of inner wall portions 733 is longer than the length in the x direction of the long holes 711a and 712a.

The outer plate portion 734 extends from the lower end of the plate portion 732 and the pair of inner wall portions 733 in FIG. 20, and as shown in FIG. It is The standing walls 735 stand up from both y-direction edges of the outer plate portion 734 and are formed along the y-direction edges of the projecting portion 713 . As shown in FIG. 18, the position of the upper end of the upright wall 735 in the z direction matches the position of the upper end of the projecting portion 713 in the z direction. The rising wall 736 rises from the end of the outer plate portion 734 in the x direction so as to face the plate portion 732 . The upright wall 736 is connected to the upright wall 735 at both ends in the y direction. The standing walls 735 and 736 have an external appearance as if the projecting portion 713 were extended.

The intermediate member 74 is formed by bending a metal plate, and is a member that can be attached to and detached from the connecting portion 711 and the connecting portion 712 . The intermediate member 74 is formed to have a U-shaped cross section so as to overlap the outer periphery of the main body member 71 . This intermediate member 74 is a member used when connecting a plurality of lamp cases 650 as shown in FIG. The intermediate member 74 has an edge portion 741 that fits into a groove provided in the projecting portion 713 .

The intermediate member 74 has two pairs of bulging portions 74a whose thickness in the z direction is thicker than the surroundings. The two pairs of bulging portions 74a are provided with screw receiving holes that are fitted with the bolt members 75, respectively. These screw receiving holes are also provided with female threads corresponding to the male threads provided on the bolt member 75 . As shown in FIG. 25, the two pairs of bulging portions 74a are provided at positions overlapping the long holes 711a and 712a when the connecting portions 711 and 712 are joined together.

Next, the action of the lamp case 650 will be described with reference to FIG. 26 as well.

When a plurality of lamp cases 650 are arranged in the x direction and attached to the ceiling 750, if the ends of adjacent lamp cases 650 are brought into close contact with each other, a gap is generated between the ends of other adjacent lamp cases 650. A situation can occur. FIG. 26 shows a state of looking up from the floor at the joint portion when a gap is generated between the body members 71 of the adjacent lamp cases 650 . Note that the LED lamp 501 is omitted in FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the adjacent main body member 71, by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 in the elongated holes 711a and 712a, An intermediate member 74 can be attached to the connecting portions 711 , 712 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, not the ceiling surface but the intermediate member 74 can be seen from the gap between the main body members 71, so that deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the termination member 73 can also be shifted in the x direction by shifting the positions of the bolt members 75 in the elongated holes 711a and 712a. Therefore, even if it is not possible to deal with the adjustment by the intermediate member 74 described above, it is possible to deal with it by shifting the end members 73 of the lamp cases 650 at both ends in the x direction.

FIG. 27 shows a first modification of the lamp case 650. As shown in FIG. In this modification, a circular screw hole 711b is provided instead of the long hole 711a. Other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. Similar to FIG. 26, FIG. 27 shows how such lamp cases 650 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 27, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the adjacent main body member 71, the intermediate member 74 can be connected to the connecting portion 711 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 in the long hole 712a. , 712. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74, not the ceiling surface, can be seen through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed.

FIG. 28 shows a second modification of the lamp case 650. As shown in FIG. In this modification, a circular screw hole 712b is provided instead of the elongated hole 712a. Other configurations are the same as those of the lamp case 650 shown in FIGS. Similar to FIG. 26, FIG. 28 shows how such lamp cases 650 are arranged. As shown in FIG. 28, even if there is a gap between the connecting portions 711 and 712 of the adjacent main body member 71, the intermediate member 74 can be connected to the connecting portion 711 by shifting the position of the bolt member 75 in the long hole 711a. , 712. Furthermore, since the intermediate member 74, not the ceiling surface, can be seen through the gap between the main body members 71, deterioration of the appearance can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is also possible to adjust by shifting the end member 73 in the x-direction.

The LED lamp, lamp case, and LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the LED lamp and the LED lighting device according to the present invention can be changed in various ways.

For example, the number and installation intervals of the LED modules 2 can be set as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the LED modules 2 are arranged at regular intervals. The effects of the invention occur. Further, the positional relationship between the LED module 2 located at the end in the x direction and the end of the support member 11 in the x direction is not limited to the above conditions. The LED module 2 positioned at the end in the x direction is positioned at the end of the support member 11 in the x direction so that the gap between the LED modules 2 is not excessively widened at the joint portion of the adjacent LED lamps 501 in the LED lighting device 601 . It suffices if it is mounted so as to be close to it.

Also, in the LED lighting devices 602 to 605, the lamp case 650 may be employed instead of the mount 4. FIG. In the LED lighting devices 602-605, it is assumed that gaps may occur between adjacent LED lamps 501-504. In such a case, a gap may occur between the adjacent lamp cases 650, but through the gap between the lamp cases 650, the intermediate member 74 having the same color as the main body member 71 can be seen. Therefore, deterioration of the appearance can be prevented.

29 and 30 show an LED module according to a first embodiment of the invention. The LED module 511 of this embodiment includes a substrate 201 and a plurality of light emitting units 202 .

As shown in FIG. 29, substrate 201 is made of glass epoxy, for example, and is formed in a strip shape. The substrate 201 has, for example, a longitudinal dimension of approximately 200 mm and a lateral dimension of approximately 20 mm. Although not shown, a wiring pattern for mounting a plurality of light emitting units 202 is formed on one surface of the substrate 201 .

As shown in FIG. 29, the plurality of light emitting units 202 are mounted on one surface of the substrate 201 and arranged in two rows 202A and 202B along the longitudinal direction. When one surface of the substrate 201 is viewed in the thickness direction, the light emitting section 202 has a rectangular light emitting surface 220 . All the light emitting parts 202 are arranged such that the long sides 220 a of the light emitting surfaces 220 are along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 . The light-emitting portions 202 in each row 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 with an interval 85 therebetween. This interval 85 is approximately the same size as the long side 220 a of the light exit surface 220 . The rows 202A and 202B are shifted by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 . Thereby, the plurality of light emitting units 202 are arranged in a zigzag arrangement. In this embodiment, the interval 85 is approximately the same as the long side 220a of the light exit surface 220, but the interval 85 may of course be longer than the long side 220a.

As shown in FIG. 30, the light emitting section 202 has an LED chip 221 , metal leads 222 and 223 separated from each other, a wire 224 and a resin package 225 .

LED chip 221 has a structure in which, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer sandwiched therebetween are laminated. LED chip 221 emits blue light, for example, when it is made of a GaN-based semiconductor. The LED chip 221 is mounted on leads 222 . The top surface of the LED chip 221 is connected to leads 223 via wires 224 . Leads 222 and 223 are joined to wiring patterns on substrate 201 . Resin package 225 is for protecting LED chip 221 and wire 224 . The resin package 225 is made of, for example, an epoxy resin that transmits light from the LED chip 221 . Resin package 225 contains, for example, a fluorescent material that emits yellow light when excited by blue light. Thereby, the light emitting unit 202 emits white light. One surface of the resin package 225 opposite to the surface facing the substrate 201 serves as a light exit surface 220 .

31 and 32 show an example of an LED lighting device with an LED module 511. FIG. The LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of LED modules 511 , a mount 203 , a support member 204 , a diffusion cover 205 and a power converter 206 . The LED lighting device 611 is attached to the ceiling surface indoors, for example, and is used to illuminate the floor surface, and is elongated in a direction penetrating through the plane of the figure.

As shown in FIG. 31, the mount 203 comprises a body 230 and multiple holders 231 . The main body 230 has an elongated shape extending in a direction penetrating the plane of the drawing, and is made of aluminum, for example. The body 230 is provided with a recess 230a. The recess 230a is for accommodating the LED module 511 . The main body 230 has a curved surface with a continuous curvature across the recess 230a.

Body 230 is composed of base plate 310 and wings 320 . The base plate 310 is formed in an elongated plate shape with a longitudinal direction extending through the paper surface of FIG. Both edges of the base plate 310 in the y direction are bent downward in the z direction to ensure rigidity. The plurality of bulging portions 311 are portions formed so as to protrude downward in the z-direction, and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction penetrating through the plane of FIG. 31 . Each bulging portion 311 is in contact with the wing portion 320 .

The wing portion 320 is generally formed in an umbrella shape when viewed in a direction penetrating through the paper surface of FIG. The bottom plate portion 321 is parallel to the base plate 310 . The two wall portions 322 stand up in the z direction from both ends of the bottom plate portion 321 in the y direction. The bottom plate portion 321 and the two wall portions 322 form a recess 230a for accommodating the LED unit 2. As shown in FIG. A holder 231 that is an elastic member is arranged on the wall portion 322 on one side, and a regulating member 323 is formed on the wall portion 322 on the other side. The regulating member 323 has a plate shape protruding from the wall portion 322 in the y direction and is perpendicular to the wall portion 322 . This restricting member 323 is installed, for example, over substantially the entire length of the wing portion 320 in the direction penetrating through the plane of FIG. 31 .

The holder 231 is formed by bending a metal plate, for example, and has a locking piece 231a, a flexible portion 231b, and a fixed portion 231c. As shown in FIG. 31, the locking piece 231a is inclined so as to move away from the LED module 511 in the y direction as it moves away from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction. The flexible portion 231b is inclined so as to be closer to the LED module 511 in the y direction as it is further away from the bottom plate portion 321 in the z direction. One end of the flexible portion 231b supports the locking piece 231a, and the other end of the flexible portion 231b is connected to the fixed portion 231c. The fixing portion 231 c is a plate-like member provided so as to overlap the bottom plate portion 321 and is fixed to the wing portion 320 via screws 331 . Note that the holders 231 are installed so as to be arranged in a plurality along the direction penetrating the plane of FIG. 31 .

As shown in FIG. 31, the support member 204 is for supporting and supplying power to a plurality of LED modules 511 . The plurality of LED modules 511 are supported by the support member 204 in a state of being aligned along the longitudinal direction.

The support member 204 consists of a base portion 241 and a pair of outer portions 242 . Base portion 241 and outer portion 242 are made of, for example, aluminum. The base portion 241 has a U-shaped cross section, and a concave portion 410 for mounting the substrate 201 of the LED module 511 is formed on the outside of the bottom surface of the base portion 241 . The recess 410 is recessed upward in the z-direction, and the substrate 201 is fitted therein. The outer portion 242 has a shape that covers substantially one side portion of the base portion 241 and the edge of the substrate 201 in the y direction.

A locking groove 420 is formed in each outer portion 242 . The locking groove 420 extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction. The locking groove 420 on one side is a portion that engages with the locking piece 231 a of the holder 231 . The locking groove 420 on the other side is a portion that engages with the restricting portion 323 .

A locking groove 421 is formed in one outer portion 242 . The locking groove 421 extends in a direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction. A locking groove 422 is also formed in the other outer portion 242 . This locking groove 422 also extends in the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 31 and is recessed on the side opposite to the emission direction of the LED module 511 in the z direction.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the diffusion cover 205 has an arc-shaped cross-section extending in the direction through which the paper surface of the drawing is drawn, and is made of, for example, a milky-white resin that diffuses and transmits the light from the LED module 511 . As shown in FIG. 31, locking pieces 251 and 252 are formed on both edges of the diffusion cover 205 . One locking piece 251 engages with the locking groove 421 . The other locking piece 252 engages with the locking groove 422 .

As shown in FIG. 32, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is an area centered just below the LED module 511 in the z direction and having a constant width in the y direction. The width of the central portion 205a in the y direction is longer than the width of the light emitting portions 202 arranged in a zigzag arrangement in the y direction. The central portion 205a corresponds to an example of a strong diffusion portion which is the main part of the present invention.

The power converter 206 functions to convert commercial AC 100V power to DC 36V, for example, and is accommodated in the support member 204 . The power converter 206 is composed of a case 261 , a power supply board 262 and a plurality of electronic components 263 . Case 261 has a U-shaped cross section and is made of metal, for example. Case 261 is used to fix power conversion section 206 to base section 241 . The power board 262 is fixed to the case 261 and has a plurality of electronic components 263 mounted thereon. The plurality of electronic components 263 are, for example, transformers, rectifiers, and transistors for constant current control. A connector (not shown) extends from the power converter 206 . This connector is connected to a connector attached to mount 203 .

In this embodiment, a plurality of power conversion units 206 are provided, and power is supplied from one power conversion unit 206 to the light emitting units 202 of the plurality of LED modules 511 . For example, each LED chip 221 is supplied with DC power having a voltage of about 3 V and a current of about 20 mA.

Next, the action of the LED module 511 and the LED lighting device 611 will be described.

In the LED module 511 of this embodiment, a plurality of light-emitting portions 202 arranged in a zigzag form a light-emitting region that extends to some extent in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the substrate 201 . The light from this light emitting region is applied while spreading to some extent not only in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 but also in the lateral direction.

Moreover, in the light-emitting region, the light-emitting portions 202 forming one row 202A are positioned between the light-emitting portions 202 forming the other row 202B, so that the light from the other row 202B is unlikely to overlap. As a result, the light-emitting region including the two columns 202A and 202B is less likely to produce a steep luminance distribution, and forms a luminance distribution that spreads gently in the lateral direction of the substrate 201 to some extent.

That is, the light-emitting region does not appear to shine in a concentrated line, but appears to spread out in a belt-like manner to some extent. Therefore, the plurality of light emitting units 202 does not feel so dazzling. Therefore, according to the LED module 511, by arranging the plurality of light emitting units 202 in a zigzag arrangement, it is possible to increase the overall amount of light and to achieve uniform luminance.

In the LED lighting device 611 of this embodiment, the thicker the diffusion cover 205 is, the more the light is diffused and the light transmittance is lowered. Therefore, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 has a smaller light transmittance than the other regions. For example, the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is approximately 75%, and the light transmittance in the other regions is approximately 85%.

The diffusion cover 205 is formed such that the distance from the LED module 511 is the smallest at the central portion 205a, and the distance from the LED module 511 increases with distance from the central portion 205a in the y direction. Therefore, the intensity of light from the LED modules 511 reaching the central portion 205a is greater than the intensity of light from the LED modules 511 reaching other regions.

According to the LED illumination device 611, by reducing the light transmittance in the central portion 205a where relatively strong light reaches, the light emitted from the central portion 205a and the light emitted from other regions are approximately the same. becomes the strength of Therefore, in the LED lighting device 611, the unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 is suppressed when the light is turned on, and the individual light emitting portions 202 are visually arranged in a dotted manner or in rows 202A and 202B. can be prevented. Therefore, according to the LED lighting device 611, the diffuser cover 205 further improves the uniformity of the luminance, and the lighting appearance can be improved.

Figures 33 and 34 show LED modules according to second and third embodiments of the invention, and Figures 35-10 show LED lighting devices according to fourth through seventh embodiments of the invention. 33 to 10, the same or similar constituent elements as those according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the LED module 512 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 33 , the light-emitting portions 202 in each row 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 with an interval 86 therebetween. This interval 86 is shorter than the long side 220 a of the light exit surface 220 . The rows 202A and 202B are shifted by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 . As a result, the plurality of light emitting units 202 are arranged in a zigzag arrangement at narrower intervals than in the first embodiment, and the number of the light emitting units 202 is increased. According to such a configuration, it is possible to further increase the total amount of light while achieving uniform luminance.

In the LED module 513 based on the third embodiment shown in FIG. 34, all the light emitting parts 202 are arranged such that the short sides 220b of the light emitting surfaces 220 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201. As shown in FIG. The light-emitting portions 202 in each row 202A and 202B are arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201 with an interval 87 therebetween. The rows 202A and 202B are shifted by half a pitch in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 201, and the plurality of light emitting portions 202 are arranged in a zigzag arrangement. According to such a configuration, the interval 87 between the light-emitting portions 202 in each row 202A, 202B can be appropriately set according to the directivity of the LED chips, and the luminance can be made uniform. In this embodiment, the interval 87 is considerably larger than the short side 220b of the light exit surface 220, but the interval 87 may of course be shorter than the short side 220b. In such a case, the number of light-emitting units 202 can be increased to further increase the total amount of light.

In the LED lighting device according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is formed in a flat plate shape. Even if such a diffusion cover 205 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 .

In the LED lighting device according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 36, the diffusion cover 205 is formed so that its thickness gradually increases from the ends toward the center in the y direction. Such a diffusion cover 205 is thicker at a portion closer to the LED module 511 . This makes it possible to further suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 when the LED lighting device is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to improve the appearance of the LED lighting device when it is lit.

In the LED lighting device according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the diffusion cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and its central portion 205a is made of a milky white resin having a lower light transmittance than the other regions. The light transmittance in the regions other than the central portion 205a of the diffusion cover 205 is about 85%, and the light transmittance in the central portion 205a is about 75%. Even if such a diffusion cover 205 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205, as in the above-described embodiment.

In the LED lighting device according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 38, the diffusion cover 205 has a uniform thickness, and the diffusion member 250 is provided so as to overlap the central portion 205a. The light transmittance of the portion of the diffusion cover 205 where the diffusion member 250 is not provided is about 85%. The diffusion member 250 is made of, for example, the same milky white resin as the diffusion cover 205, and is formed so that the light transmittance at the central portion 205a where the diffusion member 250 is superimposed is about 75%. Even if the diffusion cover 205 having such a diffusion member 250 is used, it is possible to suppress unevenness of the light emitted from the diffusion cover 205 . Furthermore, when the diffusion member 250 is prepared separately from the diffusion cover 205, there is an advantage that the diffusion cover 205 itself can be easily manufactured.

Note that the LED module and the LED lighting device according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The specific configuration of each part of the LED module and the LED lighting device according to the present invention can be modified in various ways.

For example, the LED module is not limited to the structure in which the light emitting part is mounted on the substrate, and may be the structure in which the LED chip is directly mounted on the substrate. The substrate is not limited to an elongated belt shape, and may be rectangular or circular. The plurality of light emitting units may be arranged in a zigzag arrangement of three or more rows.

The plurality of LED chips may emit light of RGB colors, and may be arranged in a plurality of rows in the longitudinal direction of the substrate. When LED chips of RGB colors are used, the LED lighting device can be applied, for example, as an electronic bulletin board or an image display device.

The LED lighting device is not limited to the LED module of the first embodiment, and the LED module of the second or third embodiment can also be applied.

501, 502, 503, 504 LED lamps 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606 LED lighting device 650 Lamp case x direction y direction z direction 1 cylinder 2 LED modules 3A, 3B, 3C end cap 4 mount 5 power conversion Portion 6 Plate 11 Supporting member 12 Diffusion covers 12a, 12b Locking piece 13 Screw 31 Output surfaces 31a, 31b Inclined surface 32 Connecting plate 32a Screw hole 33 Head portion 34 Male portion 34a Inclined surface 35 Female portion 35a Inclined surface 41 Base metal fitting 41a Hole 42 Holder 42a Locking piece 42b Flexible part 42c Connecting part 51 Case 52 Power board 53 Electronic component 54 Connector 61 Output surface 71 Main body member 71a Through hole 72 Connector accommodating part 73 Terminal member 74 Intermediate member 74a Bulging part 75 Bolt member 111 Substrate 111a Mounting surface 112 Bracket 113 Base portion 114 Outer portion 114a Locking groove 114b Swelling portion 114c Locking groove 114d Locking surfaces 711, 712 Connecting portions 711a, 712a Long holes 712b, 712b Screw hole 713 Protruding portion 731, 732 Plate portion 731a Swelling portion 732a Wall surface 733 Inner wall portion 734 Outer plate portion 735, 736 Upright wall 741 Edge portion 750 Ceiling 511 to 513 LED module 611 LED lighting device 201 Substrate 202 Light emitting portions 202A, 202B Column 220 Light emitting surface 220a long side 220b short side 221 LED chip 204 support member 205 diffusion cover 205a central portion 250 diffusion member

Claims (3)

a plurality of LED modules arranged along a first direction; a cylinder housing the plurality of LED modules and having an open end in the first direction; a plurality of LED lamps with a plurality of end caps closing off the ends;
An LED lighting device in which the plurality of LED lamps are arranged along the first direction,
end portions of the end caps of two adjacent LED lamps of the plurality of LED lamps face each other in the first direction;
The LED lighting device, wherein the distance between the LED modules installed across the two end caps facing each other is equal to the distance between the adjacent LED modules in the same LED lamp. A plate member is provided between the end caps of the two LED lamps adjacent to each other and is in contact with each end cap,
2. The LED lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the plate member transmits and diffuses the light from the plurality of LED modules. 3. The LED lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the plate material has a surface continuous with the exit surface of each of the end caps.

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